Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive, multidisciplinary device used in orthopaedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine, urology and veterinary medicine used to accelerate tissue repair and cell growth, analgesia and mobility restoration. Acoustic waves, which are generated by the shockwave, trigger biological effects which lead to faster and long-term healing and regeneration of the tissue.
Its main benefits are fast pain relief and mobility restoration. Together, being a non-surgical therapy with no need for painkillers makes it an ideal therapy to speed up recovery and cure various indications causing acute or chronic pain. Shockwave Therapy covers a wide range of indications.
Many patients living with chronic pain problems are likely to have been through numerous unsuccessful treatments before trying Shockwave Therapy, but up to 80% of the same patients worldwide report that Shockwave Therapy has helped them eliminate their problem.
How does it work?
Shockwave treatment is an acoustic wave that carries high energy to painful spots and myoskeletal tissues with subacute, subchronic and chronic conditions. Shockwaves are characterised by jump change in pressure, high amplitude and non-periodicity. The kinetic energy of the projectile, created by compressed air, is transferred to the transmitter at the end of the applicator and further into the tissue. The energy promotes regeneration and reparative processes of the bones, tendons and other soft tissues.
The application is simple, easy, and can be initiated in 3 steps:
- Locate the area which needs to be treated - The area to be treated with Shockwave Therapy is located using palpation in order to deliver the therapy precisely
- Gel application - A sufficient amount of gel is applied to the area, which is a necessary instrument used to transfer the acoustic waves efficiently and smoothly
- Therapy initiation - The Shockwave applicator is slightly pushed against the area to be treated and the treatment begins
Medical effects
Acoustic waves with high energy peak used in Shockwave Therapy interact with tissue causing overall medical effects of accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, analgesia and mobility restoration. It can be used to treat chronic, sub-acute and acute conditions.
Heel Spur
Calcium deposit on the underside of the heel bone, known as heel spur, is closely associated with scarring or inflammation of the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis). Either of the indications, or both combined, limit patients in their daily activities and cause pain, but Shockwave treats both of the problems simultaneously. The treatment of acoustic waves lead to a fast recovery, of which up to 88% of patients can expect to return to daily routines and feel the long-lasting effects.
Chronic Tendinopathy
Cumulated microtraumas from repetitive overloading can result in chronic tendinopathy (tendinitis or tendinosis). Tendinopathies at numerous parts of the body are a widespread diagnosis of both active people and the general population, and refers to long term inflammation and damage of the tendons that connect muscles and bones. Both inflammation of the tendon and damage on the cellular level can be successfully treated using Shockwave Therapy. Patients can expect the number of sessions to typically be 3–5 sessions with 5–10 days in-between sessions.
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
It depends on the patient and whether they are already experiencing a high level of pain in the area that needs treating, but there may be a slight feeling of discomfort during the treatment. Shockwave Therapy treatment only lasts approximately 5 minutes however, so most patients can tolerate this slight discomfort for the short duration. Depending on the patient, we can change and adjust the treatment intensity as the session progresses.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of Shockwave Therapy treatments a patient will need varies, but usually depends on the indication and tissue response to the shockwave. Typically, you can expect to need more than one treatment, often 3 to 5 sessions. Many patients experience relief straight after the first treatment.
How often do I need treatment?
Most indications require 3 to 5 treatments, which are completed 3 to 10 days apart depending on the patient’s tolerance and their tissue response.
Will I feel pain after shockwave treatment?
Most patients will experience an immediate pain relief following the treatment, however, within 2 to 4 hours after the treatment there may be soreness in the treated area. Patients have reported this soreness as tolerable and not limiting.
Will I have any restrictions after treatment?
We recommend patients of Shockwave Therapy avoid any physical activity, especially activity that would involve the treated area, for up to 48 hours following each treatment session.
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